Photo courtesy of Michigan Tech University Michigan Tech goaltender Ryan Manzella makes a stop during a game against Northern Michigan Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Berry Events Center in Marquette.

HOUGHTON — Michigan Tech Huskies freshman goaltender Ryan Manzella has been named the Hockey Commissioners’ Association’s Men’s National Rookie of the Month for January, it was announced on Thursday.

Manzella (Eagan, Minn.) posted a 5-0-0 record in six January appearances (5 starts), registering CCHA-bests in goals-against average (1.23) and shutouts (3). In 342:10 minutes, he totaled 132 saves (22.0 per game), stopping a season-high 31 shots in a 1-0 road shutout of then-No. 12 Minnesota State on January 18. Turning in shutouts at Northern Michigan (22 saves) and against Lake Superior State (21 saves), Manzella notched 20 or more saves in four games during the month.

Manzella joined the Huskies in late December and is 6-0 through seven appearances and five starts. He has a 1.41 goals-against average and .942 save percentage. His three shutouts rank third in the country.

Manzella is the fourth CCHA player to earn national monthly recognition this season, joining classmate Logan Morrell (Michigan Tech), who was Rookie of the Month in December and Goaltenders of the Month Alex Tracy (Minnesota State) in November and Josh Kotai (Augustana) in October and January.

Michigan Tech is 15-9-2 overall and 11-5-2 in the CCHA and hosts Bemidji State this weekend in the annual Winter Carnival series. The puck drops at 7:07 p.m. Friday and 5:07 p.m. Saturday at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. The Huskies and Beavers will play a total goal series for the MacInnes Trophy as Winter Carnival Champions.